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It has been a bit since this old reporter had a scoop on a
news story.
So when HO Team Penski president Sim Tindric said he had an
inside story for me I grabbed my pad and pen and turned on my trusty
microcassette tape recorder and listened and asked questions.
“Ev Kamikawa will not be racing for HO Team Penski in this
years Indy 500,” he started after downing a double shot of whiskey.
My jaw dropped.
“With the success of Newgarden, Power, and McLaughlin at the
big level we realize we can win the championship and we need to focus on that.
Plus with the high inflation rate making things cost more, we need to make sure
we have the funds to continue that championship chase.” Another shot of
whiskey.
So you are saying that the first four time winner of the
event and the leader in pole positions isn’t going to start the biggest race of
the year for the biggest team name in Indyslotcar?
“That is correct.” Another shot. “Besides, he hasn’t won a race for us for what…three
seasons? In our organization if you can’t bring success the major isn’t going
to stand behind you.”
You mean captain.
“No, I mean major. Captain refers to Roger Penske of Penske motors fame. Major refers
to the HO Penski Team boss Renske Penski. He is my boss (another shot).”
So is Ev being fired? Is he out of a ride for next season?
“No. We hold the option on his services in the #12 car for
next season. He hasn’t had a steady teammate for at least a decade,” Tindric
said. “We teamed Joe Heitz with him and Heitz waxed the floor with him. That is
why we didn’t punish Heitz when he ran into Ev those times. Do you need a shot?
I haven’t seen you drink anything yet.”
No thanks. Ev won a race in the ISF this year plus three in
SHMUC. Doesn’t that give the organization some faith and hope for him that he has
wins left in him?
“The F1 win was with Ferrari money. The SHMUC wins were with
Ev’s money. He financed those rides, the team didn't. Why do you he is endorsing anything he can these days? He needs the check to fund the rides."
Ev Kamikawa a pay driver?
"We don’t care about that money. We are just not going to spend our
money on him when we have an Indycar championship to win this year. He couldn't beat his son at the last race-that is the third time in a row his son has beaten him in Indyslotcar by the way. What can you expect with results like that? HO Team Penski fights for wins not 10th in the championship.”
What did Ev say when you told him?
“We left him a voicemail. He did call back and left a
message. Something about answering questions at a local watering hole on
Thursday night. I probably shouldn’t tell you that we are looking for someone
else to lead the team next year with or without Ev on the team. We figured we
would tell you and he can read about it like everyone else. This will probably
help his career. Remember when the big team let Helio go? He had some one off
rides for the big team in the 500 and then went to another team and got his fourth
win. Maybe it will be the same for Ev."
Who would you get to replace him?
"Who wouldn't we get? Take your pick.
Anyone else in the field is eligible. Ev might be on the team with any of those drivers but he would be second fiddle."
I think I will take that drink now.
“Too late. I'm leaving,” Tindric closed. “Well Mr. Scribbler. See ya
around in the pits!”
Sorry Ev that you are reading this. You’re still my favorite
Indyslotcar driver. I guess the drive for win #5 will have to wait another year.
I hope not longer than that.
Until next time...It's great being In the Pits!
Steve "The Wrench" Ratchett
